Curious how Elliott Bay Marina became the largest privately owned marina on the West Coast? It’s quite a tale. This marina is more than just a place to dock your boat. It is a country club environment with panoramic views of the Seattle skyline.
Let’s dive into the story of Elliott Bay Marina. Four local boating enthusiasts conceived it. Construction began in 1989 at the base of Magnolia. This was after a lengthy 10-year permitting process. The site was once a shallow and exposed barren mud flat.
The three-year construction transformed the area. First, workers back-filled the shore side bulkhead. Then, they built the breakwater. Finally came the marina itself. In 1991, Elliott Bay Marina opened. It boasted 1250 in-water slips and ten miles of dock.
Elliott Bay Marina offers a range of amenities. These include repair facilities and 24-hour security. You will also find a fuel dock and a convenience store. There are year-round events and friendly customer service.
The marina’s location is ideal. It sits next to Pier 91 in a park-like setting. It’s just one mile north of downtown Seattle. This suburban location offers security and quiet. Downtown is still easily accessible. You can get there by cab, bus, limousine, or even dinghy.
Slips at Elliott Bay Marina range from 28 to 300 feet. Sixty slips are reserved for guest moorage. The marina can accommodate nearly any pleasure vessel. The docks are lettered A through N. A dock is the westernmost.
Each slip offers essential hook-ups. These include water, cable TV, and telephone. There is also a permanent slip side pump-out system. Elliott Bay Marina provides complimentary bike, kayak, and SUP rentals.
Two mechanical assistance and repair facilities are on site. These are Emerald Harbor Marine and Monkey Fist Marine. Elliott Bay Marina has several uplands amenities. These include laundry and full-service restrooms with showers. The grounds are impeccably maintained.
Two uniquely different restaurants cater to every boater’s appetite. Maggie Bluffs offers casual dining. Palisade provides a more formal dining experience. The marina staff can assist with reservations. The concierge can help with transportation and dining outside the marina.
Elliott Bay Marina also has a full-service fuel dock. It features a marina store. Chevron products are sold along with wine, beer, and other sundries. Propane is accessible nearby.
Environmental responsibility is a priority at Elliott Bay Marina. The marina has implemented several environmental improvements. These include habitat and water assessment. They also have a hazardous waste program and dog waste collection. Education is another key component.
The parking lot has storm water drains and traps. These separate petroleum from the runoff. Over 500 trees and 6000 shrubs were planted. Wide lawns act as runoff buffers and control erosion. These also beautify the area.
The fuel dock features double-walled tanks and fuel lines. These are equipped with monitors, sensors, and automatic shutoff. Oil booms and spill containment kits are readily available. An aluminum pontoon boat can handle spills. It can also head off spills drifting in from nearby commercial shipping piers.
Elliott Bay itself has a rich history. The bay was named during the Wilkes expedition in 1841. It may have been named after midshipman Samuel Elliott.
The Duwamish people lived near Elliott Bay for thousands of years. They had at least 17 settlements by the 1850s. Seattle was founded on Elliott Bay in the 1850s. It has grown to encompass the bay completely.
Elliott Bay Marina stands as a testament to thoughtful development. It combines recreational boating with environmental stewardship. It offers a unique experience on the Seattle waterfront.